Kilkenny senator slams 'unsustainable' education costs burden on families
Senator Patricia Stephenson says the Government has failed to address the crippling education costs placing an unsustainable burden on families, with some parents spending hundreds or thousands of euros on school-related expenses
The Government has failed to recognise how crippling education costs are placing an unsustainable burden on families already grappling with the cost-of-living crisis, according to Social Democrats’ Patricia Stephenson.
“Whilst families continue to be stretched to the limit to meet rising living costs from, energy bills, groceries and childcare to housing, those with school-aged children must foot the bill for a host of additional education-related expenses,” says Senator Stephenson.
“Budget 2027 is a missed opportunity to alleviate some of the pressure these costs are heaping on families, some of whom can have children across primary, secondary and third level all at once.”
“Parents should not be expected to spend hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of euros to send their children to school. Costs include expensive uniforms, school shoes, extracurriculars, the so-called ‘voluntary contribution’, digital devices, and for some parents private buses which can cost EUR 50 a week for one child.”
“The ever-rising cost of school transport is a significant worry for many parents, as is the chronic shortage of bus spaces, adds Senator Stephenson.
“Every year, lack of spaces, leaves many parents scrambling to find alternative ways of getting their child to school. This is a particularly pertinent issue for those living in rural areas.
“The Social Democrats’ Alternative Budget included a host of measures to work towards making primary and secondary education truly free in Ireland – where hidden costs are not pushed onto parents and families.
“Our proposals included increasing capitation grants, ending voluntary contributions, free school transport and expansion of the hot school meals programme” continued the Senator.
“Government seems to be completely out of touch with the reality of how expensive it remains to put children through primary and secondary school in Ireland.
“Education is a vital public good and it is time for government to treat it accordingly -doing so will generate long-term benefits for society,” concluded Senator Stephenson.